In the past, our Aussie neighborhoods were lively and supportive communities where everyone knew everyone and cared for one another. The children would play in the streets, and the seniors lived close to their adult children who were there to watch out for them and offer support if and when required.

But a lot has changed. Many people move away from their families in search of better professional prospects, and the elderly are left behind, lonely, and without a community to socialise and check in with. But we must adapt. And there are some great options out there nowadays. Maybe it’s time to check out the retirement home options available to you, and of which will improve the quality of your retirement. But how do you even begin to select a place to live and enjoy your golden years? We’re going to make the process a little easier for you by describing all the options available to you in Sydney.

Selecting a place to retire

In recent times, most seniors would choose to stay in the homes they\'ve built and lived for years, but these days, that comes at a price - seniors are often lonely, face the strain of maintaining a large home on their own without support nearby, and struggle with lack of accessibility. And moving to a nursing home or aged care facility means sacrificing their independence and identity. Although aged care facilities offer a care and support system to those who require it, it can often feel impersonal and institutional. Fortunately, with the rise in retirement villages and independent senior living communities, older adults can now retain their independence and have the care they require catered to them. Yes, they can have their cake and eat it too!

Days spent in a retirement village in Sydney these days are busy and residents certainly are kept engaged. From swimming sessions at the pool to lunch with friends and a glass of wine at sunset, retired life can indeed be happy and even blissful.. After working hard for so many years, it’s nice, not to mention a relief to be at a point where you’re ready to step back from the hustle and bustle of the work and make time for activities you never had the time to enjoy. And hence it becomes all the more important to choose the right place for your retirement – you want the right mix of facilities that appeal, to and a community to share your days with when and if you choose.

What to look for at a retirement home

When choosing a place to retire to, it must align with your values, provide you access to the things you love doing and support your well-being in ways other than your physical health, such as your social and emotional needs.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a retirement village:

1. The support and care 

A retirement community that is focused on its resident\'s well-being will customise the care specific to their needs. Sometimes it could look like having an on-call handyman to do odd jobs around the house or it may look like having someone for regular in-home nursing and personal care. A personalised care approach will ensure that the resident gets the help they need while also maintaining their independence. Look out for these services to make your life easier at your new home post-retirement:

• Housekeeping and regular laundry services
• Healthy and nutritious meals that can be delivered 
• Support with personal care if required eg. help with showering and grooming services 
• Look for On-site clinics and nursing stations
• Having access to equipment like wheelchairs, walkers and shower chairs 

2. Physical and mental well-being

Many studies have now established that to maintain physical and mental well-being, older adults will need to keep themselves active. Good physical health means looking after your body to minimize future health risks and protect your independence. Hence you must consider your physical wellness when choosing the right retirement village or independent senior living community. When scouting for a retirement home to move in look for: 

• The kind of fitness classes that are there on site
• Whether there are enough areas outdoors to go for walks or strolls, and how accessible Is the location suitable if one needs to step outside the community? 
• Is there a swimming pool, gym or another recreational center?
• Are there clubs and groups that have regular meet-ups?

3. Cost of the place

The cost of living in a retirement or independent living village should also be one of the factors you consider before confirming a place. Do your homework well and narrow your options down to suitable places within your budget. 

The cost will also be determined by the services and assistance that the resident requires. Ideally, the costs and experience should be adjusted wherever possible to the residents\' preferred way of life. 

Finally

When it is time to embrace the retired life, remember to look for factors that will contribute to your physical, and mental well-being and of which will give you pleasure and happiness in the years to come.